A Look Back on FGGH History: The Thanksgiving Day Race

A past Guelph tradition since 1894

The Thanksgiving Day Races took place every year on Thanksgiving Day Monday

The Thanksgiving Day Races were a Guelph tradition, dating back to 1894. Until about the 1970s, they were thought to be the largest held in Canada.

They attracted more than 500 race participants as well as 100s more to watch or volunteer.

It was an event for all ages with entire families participating across the many events.

In 2012, the Thanksgiving Day Races partnered with The Foundation of Guelph General Hospital to raise funds to help Guelph General Hospital improve care for our community.

Thanksgiving Day Races Facts:

  1. They were among the top ten longest-standing races in the world!
  2. The races attracted international participants, read the Spanish runner’s story on GuelphToday.com
  3. The 2016 races were the largest in their recent history with just shy of 600 racers.
  4. They were founded by the Guelph Road Race Association which was formed in 1894 by Alex Petrie and William Robinson of the Guelph Herald.